It's a Good LIFE!

It's northern Ontario!
It's middle of September!
Thus -- the weather is NOT so warm these days . . .

But despite these facts --
We crazy Canadians . . .
Along with our crazy American friends . . .
Decided a weekend of back-in-the-bush or "wilds" camping was the plan . . .

And so we went to work . . .
Planning . . .
Planning . . .
Planning . . .

How many of us went? Nine. Ranging from ages 11 to 20.

The forecast . . . it wasn't so pretty. No surprise! This is NORTHERN Ontario and it's SEPTEMBER! But nonetheless, camping was still the plan . . .

So I, for one, packed WARM! -- since I'm typically the one to be cold FIRST -- and well, just ask those who know me, I get cold fast -- when everyone else says they are steaming! 

Trips to the grocery store -- food found it's way into boxes and coolers . . . bags stacked up . . . wood was collected . . . lists were stroked off . . . and finally, we were ready.

Plans had originally been to pile into our boats, and find a remote island and camp . . . we've done it before, it's fun! But due to weather and so many people/stuff that idea was voted out . . . instead our second option was picked -- a gorgeous small lake, Secret Lake, a 1/2 km hike back past the road that runs behind our bush. And we didn't pack wisely for hiking/carrying stuff, so I determined for carrying camping stuff in alone, I probably walked close to 7 km [CARRYING HEAVY STUFF!], some of it being in the dark. Oh, it was thrilling nonetheless :)

THIS is the setting that met my eyes as we settled into camp! -- breathtakingly beautiful . . .

And well yes -- maybe I am slightly excited about this weekend of camping :-}

BUT I'm not the ONLY one!

. . . some people need a gun to get a Canadian goose, THIS guy just needs his hands :-} 

Much time was spent around this fire's warmth!

Making food :-}

-- a common occurrence around there --

Then came the rain . . .

But it didn't stop us . . .

Instead we chose to hit the trails -- and do some bush-wacking around the lake :-}

Finally when the rain came down too hard, we opted for the dryness of our tent for some card games . . .

Natasha caught herself a 36 inch, 10 1/2 pound pike :-}

Photo-bombers -- that's me and Mo!

and just because cheesey pictures are sometimes fun :)

Like my "new" look? 

Amy gives me her glasses to keep them safe,

and this is how I keep them :-}

Until of course it was so strong my eyes started hurting!

Cold mornings --

Coffee is my favorite!

[and my cat blanket;)]

All good times come to an end . . . Sunday morning we had a lovely little church service around the fire! -- songs that echoed out across the lake, sharing, Bible reading, praying. Times like those I'm SO incredibly thankful to God for life, and friends, and His ever-so-close presence! Really, HE is the reason I am here! He is the reason I take every breath I take, and every moment I'm alive. It's Him I want to serve with all my heart! Every moment I have from Him is a gift -- a wonderful gift!